Now it all made sense why he left me in the dark. That arrogant arse wanted me to let him die, be a martyr for our cause. I wouldn’t let that happen. My shoulders rolled back, and I stood taller. I had a plan. But convincing my two loyal guards of its worth wouldn’t be easy. First, I had to test my ears. I removed the balls of wax but kept them close, poised against the lip of my inner cartilage. Nothing happened. The room could protect us from the blast on its own. Outside might be another story, but that was a chance I was willing to take.

I stood on the same crate Bernard had to give his orders. Waving for everyone’s attention, I showed the gathered crew my wax balls between my fingers. I waited while they removed their own. I picked out Rylander’s men in the crowd. I’d appeal to his brethren first.

“You don’t know this about me, but I’m an excellent swimmer. The best.”

Hannah and Krinny nodded. My father had trained me to plunge into the sea to retrieve treasures that went overboard in battles with merchant ships. I’d hauled chests filled with riches to the surface. I could do this.

“Rylander doesn’t have long. The sirens’ bodies won’t let him surface. He’ll either run out of air or be crushed beneath them.”

His men frowned and hung their heads, some removing hats.

“I need each and every one of you to help me break down this door. I know I can save him.” I held up my finger. “What I don’t know is if opening this door will subject us to whatever sound is killing the sirens.” I swallowed. “But Rylander’s life is worth the risk.”

Krinny spoke first. “His orders were to keep you in here where it’s safe, Captain.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and hugged my bicep with sweaty palms. “Rylander’s orders may be law on The Sea Singer, but The Freedom is my ship, and I am your captain. Now I’ll ask again nicely. Who will help me?”

A wicked grin split Krinny’s face. “I will,” she shouted, pumping a fist into the air.

“I will,” Bernard added.

“Thought you’d never ask,” Ketner yelled.

“I will,” the Sottom brothers hollered in unison.

The sentiment echoed through both crews until the room roared with it.

I nodded. “Once the door is broken, seal it back up with whatever you can and stay inside until Rylander or I come back, just in case.”

Heads dipped in understanding.

Ketner pointed to the corner of the room. “There’s a chest of clothes and shoes over there. We can use that to break the door down.” He and Delmar were already moving toward it.